Lubrication
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon- nect spark plug, and ground against engine before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your machine.
Lubricate
Lubricate
Figure 11
Blade Control Handle: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 11.
Wheels: Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil (or motor oil). If the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
Chute Deflector or Mulching Baffle: Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point periodically with light oil to prevent any rust or binding.
Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed with you unit for lubrication instructions.
•The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler area.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching, discharge, or bagging. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
Cutting Blade Removal, Replacement, and Sharpening
•When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
•Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 12.
•Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Maintenance
NOTE: When tipping the unit or emptying the fuel tank keep the air cleaner side of engine up. Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
•Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
•Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Figure 12
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury.
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